Do You Need a Falls Church Criminal Defense Attorney?
Have you been arrested and charged with a crime in Falls Church, VA? Regardless of whether you will be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony crime, the mere prospect of being convicted can be terrifying.
A conviction can result in prison time, jail, fines, and other consequences. Moreover, a criminal conviction on your record can jeopardize your employment opportunities and create difficulty finding housing or getting a loan.
Considering these far-reaching consequences, facing criminal charges without the help of a Virginia criminal lawyer may not be such a good idea.
No matter the type of criminal charges you may face in Falls Church, VA, criminal defense attorneys Gretchen Taylor Pousson and Matthew Kensky of Scrofano Law PC are here to help.
Understanding Criminal Law in Falls Church, VA
In Falls Church, Virginia, a crime can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Both misdemeanor and felony offenses are categorized into classes. Different classes indicate the seriousness of the crime and potential penalties under Section §18.2-9 of the Code of Virginia.
Categorization of Misdemeanors
There are four classes of misdemeanors:
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Offenses that are punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both are classified as Class 1 misdemeanors.
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A Class 2 misdemeanor carries a maximum six-month jail sentence, a maximum $1,000 fine, or both.
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The maximum fine for a Class 3 misdemeanor is usually $500.
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A $250 maximum fine is imposed for a Class 4 misdemeanor.
Categorization of Felony Crimes
There are six classes for felonies:
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The most severe offenses fall under Class 1 felonies. A guilty verdict carries a life sentence in jail and stiff fines of up to $100,000.
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A Class 2 felony carries a maximum punishment of $100,000 and a potential life sentence in prison or a minimum of 20 years.
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For a Class 3 felony, the maximum sentence is 20 years in prison, and the maximum fine is $100,000. The minimum sentence is five years in prison.
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A Class 4 felony carries a maximum $100,000 fine and a sentence of two to 10 years in prison.
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A Class 5 felony carries a sentence of 1 to 10 years in prison. But, these crimes can also be prosecuted as misdemeanors, depending on several factors, including the circumstances of the crime. If treated as a misdemeanor, it can be punishable with 12 months in jail, up to $2,500 in fines, or a combination of these punishments.
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A Class 6 felony carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. But, it can also be treated as a misdemeanor. In that case, it can be punishable by a fine of up to $2,500, up to twelve months in jail, or both.
Understanding whether a criminal offense will result in misdemeanor or felony charges can be complicated. Although misdemeanors and felonies differ in severity, both can dramatically impact your everyday life. For a more comprehensive guide on felonies, contact Falls Church criminal lawyers of Scrofano Law PC.
Why You May Need a Falls Church, Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Falls Church is a city in Fairfax County in Northern Virginia. It is also considered a part of the Washington DC metropolitan area. The crime rate is lower than Virginia’s average crime rate and the national average crime rate. However, certain violent and property crimes occur in the Falls Church area.
If you are arrested or accused of a crime, securing a favorable result may depend on whether you have hired a criminal defense lawyer. In every criminal case, you are entitled to legal representation. In addition to defending your rights, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you through the arrest and trial process.
For most misdemeanors and felonies, the Virginia criminal procedure includes the following steps:
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Arrest
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Booking
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Bail or bond
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Arraignment
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Trial
The arraignment is the first time you will learn the official charges against you. The court will want to know whether you have retained the legal services of a criminal defense attorney. If you have not and qualify for the assistance of a public defender, the court can assign someone to defend your case.
With the help of Falls Church, VA, criminal defense lawyers, you will be able to understand the criminal charges, potential penalties, and the laws involved in your case, like the Virginia statute of limitations for criminal charges. Moreover, your Falls Church VA criminal lawyer may be able to negotiate with the prosecution and potentially reduce your charges. If that is not possible, they may be able to negotiate a lesser sentence.
Despite multiple steps, a criminal judicial process in Virginia can move quickly. In other words, you may be sentenced before you realize what is happening.
How Can Scrofano Law PC Help?
When choosing a criminal defense attorney, their experience and knowledge of the local legal system may benefit your case. Other lawyers may lack the relationships and credibility that local Falls Church lawyers have. That can make a big difference in the outcome of your criminal case.
The team at Scrofano Law PC is serving Falls Church, VA, and many other cities and counties across northern Virginia. We represent clients facing a variety of charges. Some common criminal charges in Virginia we defend include:
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Drug offenses
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Theft
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Assault
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Sexual assault
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DUI
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Reckless Driving
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Hit-and-run
If you are facing a criminal charge in Falls Church, Virginia, our legal team can provide aggressive legal representation. Reach out to discuss your case and the next steps to resolve your legal matters.
Facing Criminal Charges in Falls Church, VA? Contact Our Law Firm Today!
Criminal cases are never easy. If you are convicted, you are facing the prospect of losing your freedom, paying fines, and having a criminal record, probably for the rest of your life. But all hope is not lost. An experienced Falls Church, VA, criminal lawyer will provide you with legal options and advice and help you raise a defense.
Gretchen Taylor Pousson and Matthew Kensky of Scrofano Law PC live in Fairfax County. Their knowledge of the local court rules, procedures, and judges can be crucial when building a defense strategy that will work in your favor. They have more than 50 years of combined trial experience and have helped individuals charged with every conceivable crime, ranging from DUI to theft and murder.
Moreover, their evolution from prosecutor to defense attorney sets them apart from other Virginia lawyers. They understand both sides of the courtroom. In addition, they can anticipate the prosecution’s moves, decision-making, and strategy.
If you have more questions, contact a Falls Church, VA, criminal defense attorney at Scrofano Law PC today!
